Rich's Random Thoughts

RICH'S RANDOM THOUGHTS

By Rich Briggs
The Weekly Recorder
March 14, 2008

I know the recent spate of cold and snowy winter weather has gotten on the last nerve of most people. I understand that and know that most people are ready, or past ready, for spring. Our winter has not been met with a heavy or major snow, even though we did have one snow that caused most schools to cancel back in February and make up that day at a later date. We have had intermittent snows that have mixed with rain, sleet, and freezing rain, which has made the season that much worse.

Those of you feeling the winter blues and anxiously waiting for spring’s arrival, I understand and sympathize with your pain. I am one of the few who actually enjoys the cold weather. I am like a bear in hibernation because, when the weather breaks, it will be back to the age old tradition of spring cleaning, mowing lawns, washing cars, and regular household maintenance to get ready for the spring and summer months. It takes me quite a while to get myself mentally prepared for these chores and challenges. That’s why I enjoy the winter months.

Having said that, I do not want to hear one person complain during the spring and summer months about the heat and humidity. I am entitled to because I dread those months. However, those of you who like the warmth and the heat, those elements are on their way. I keep hearing talk from people who have microphones shoved in their faces from the Pittsburgh media about Florida. I have been to Florida three times in my life. The most recent was the summer of 1997 and I had to go there on business. Folks, there is not one thing I liked about Florida. The heat, humidity, bugs, hurricanes, you can have all of that. It may be nice to visit, but I have no intention of ever moving there. Others may enjoy Florida – I don’t.

But I am not going to rain on anyone’s parade. I have learned to pace myself during the spring and summer months when it’s warm outside because the heat takes the strength right out of my system and renders me almost useless. Those of you who enjoy that weather, it will be here shortly. But not one complaint from anyone when it arrives. You asked for it and you will get it. I just hope it’s worth the wait.

Cody published his annual list of the 100 most powerful people in Washington County last week. I was curious, intrigued, and I even chuckled a bit at this list. Some people thirst for power, others have it thrust upon them, and still others just stumble into it. I have never been impressed with those who have power because most use it to their (dis)advantage and they end up becoming corrupt because of it. Some think power impresses people (to some, it does) and they think their power helps them get their way into and out of certain situations.

First, all of these people put their pants on the same way I do – one leg at a time. Most of these people, I believe, eat at least three meals a day, same as I do, and they drive to and from work, same as I do. The difference is that they are in the public spotlight, whether they are private citizens or public employees, and their exposure gives them fame and power. I would like to think that most on this list are using their power for the common good and not for personal gain. Power is dangerous if it is used the wrong way (see Darth Vader – Star Wars) and can cause the destruction of someone who, otherwise, is a good person.

To those on this list, from #1 County Commission Chairman Larry Maggi, to #100 Debbie Bardella, and even #12 on the list, our editor and publisher, Cody Knotts, I will leave the following quote from Dave Driscoll:

Talent is God-given; be thankful.

Praise is man-given; be humble.

Conceit is self-given; be careful

To all of you, I say congratulations for making this list. Please use your power for the good and serve the people who you represent well, or use your services for the better of all mankind. Remember, the mighty can fall quickly. Those you pass on your way to the top will be the same who you pass on your way back down. A quote from “Tuesdays with Morrie,”

“Money is not a substitute for tenderness, and power is not a substitute for tenderness. I can tell you, as I am sitting here dying, when you most need it, neither money nor power will give you the feeling you’re looking for, no matter how much of them you have. Status will get you nowhere.”

I read in another publication, the PA Focus, where State Representative Jesse White is thankful he will not have an opponent in the fall election because his would be opponent could not secure enough signatures for his ballot. While I understand the election process requires a would be candidate to secure enough signatures to have his name placed on the ballot, this statement White made is a bit alarming. Part of the election process is for candidates to debate the issues. This results in having an open and honest discussion of what affects those who will be represented when a candidate is elected to, and takes, office.

To not have a candidate means the incumbent can rest on his (or her) laurels and complacency can set in. This results in apathy and then nothing gets done. Mr. White has only been in office for one term and is only getting his feet wet. Nonetheless, the democratic process means that a candidate should at least have to face what he (or she) has done to this point and what he (or she) is pledging to continue to do if re-elected.

If I am not mistaken, Frank Yuvan, who is a friend of Cody’s, was supposed to be White’s opponent in the fall. Unfortunately, Mr. Yuvan was not able to secure the signatures he needed to get his name on the ballot on the Republican side. I will partially blame the Republican Party for that since the Party is having a difficult time placing people on the ballot for offices. This young man wants to continue the change that is being brought on by new county District Attorney Steve Toprani. However, he cannot succeed if he does not have the proper backing of the county Party.

There is nothing wrong with a healthy debate between would be opponents, which will be lost in this election unless Mr. Yuvan can somehow get his name on as an Independent, or if he can mount a write in campaign. I believe the people in this district deserve that much. I believe people deserve to have a choice in an election, though more often than not they do not get it. It is the people that these candidates are choosing to represent and they should have the opportunity to decide who they feel will best represent them in office. I hope Mr. White remembers this the next time he chooses to run for (re)election.

On the heels of my two columns regarding manners and looking out for young people, my school hosted the Pittsburgh Steelers basketball team last Saturday night in a fundraiser, despite the snowy conditions. At halftime, one of the players, Brett Kiesel, decided to sit next to me, as I was announcing the game at our scorer’s table, while signing autographs for some of the fans in attendance. I will go on record as saying that Brett Kiesel is one of the nicest guys to wear the Black and Gold. He was very personable and was great with the fans.

However, I noticed one thing that bothered me. There were a number of young people, with their parents, or a parent, who asked Mr. Kiesel to autograph an item. He did so without hesitation, yet I rarely heard a thank you from these young people, and even from some so called adults. I blame the adults in this instance for not telling these young people to say thank you to Mr. Kiesel for signing their items. He was most gracious no matter the situation, but I had a hard time with these people not even saying thanks, saying it half-heartedly, or not correcting their children for not saying thanks. It was the least they could do, especially since the players did come out in such horrible conditions, even though the event had been planned for two months.

To Brett Kiesel, I say thank you for being warm, generously, and friendly. The Steelers are fortunate to have you, as we all are in the Pittsburgh Region.